Neck closure system for a wetsuit

ABSTRACT

A flexible neck closure that is coupled to specific anchor points on the exterior back and front of a wetsuit by releasable fasteners such that a tensile force is generated in the closure when the wetsuit is worn. The back-to-front tensile forces produce a compressive seal between the flexible neck closure and the wetsuit exterior. The body of the neck closure may have an elongation that is greater or less than the elongation of the fastener. The inner surface of the neck closure and/or the exterior surface of the wetsuit may have one or more rib features for producing a localized seal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to systems for restricting the entry ofwater through the neck opening of a wetsuit.

2. Description of Related Art

Wetsuits are close fitting garments that are typically worn forinsulation against cold temperatures in aquatic environments. Thethermal insulation provided by a wetsuit derives from the close fit andthe foam structure. Wetsuits used in aquatic sports are typicallyfabricated from foamed neoprene rubber with a thickness of about 1 to 6millimeters.

The thickness of a wetsuit and the degree of body coverage offered aregenerally determined by the expected temperature of the aquaticenvironment in which it is to be used. Wetsuits used in colderenvironments usually offer a degree of lower body coverage and aredonned by stepping into the wetsuit.

Although wetsuits permit a limited amount of water to enter, it isdesirable to avoid a continuous flow of water into and out of the wetsuit. The neck and shoulder area of a wetsuit is often the entry pointfor a wetsuit, and thus is usually a more difficult opening at which toobtain closure.

In order to provide a closure for the neck region, the prior art hasprovided combinations of flaps and bibs with collars and hoods thattypically form a seal on the interior of a wetsuit such as thosedisclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publications No. 20020108160 andNo. 20050010988.

The aforementioned prior art closure systems rely on areal contact sealsthat lack specific features for preventing the entrance of water.Further, these closure systems rely upon the inherent compression of thewetsuit interior, and do not provide forces specific to the seal betweenthe closure and the wetsuit. The efficacy of an areal contact will beaffected by the build of the user, the cut of the wet suit, and themovements of the user.

Thus, a need exists for a neck closure system for a wetsuit thatprovides specific forces and/or features to provide a localized barrierto water entry that is not dependent upon the compression of the wetsuitinterior.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a flexible neck closure that is coupledto specific anchor points on the exterior back and front of a wetsuit byreleasable fasteners such that a tensile force is generated in theclosure when the wetsuit is worn. The back-to-front tensile forcesproduce a compressive seal between the flexible neck closure and thewetsuit exterior.

In one embodiment the body of the neck closure has a greater elongationthan the fastener of the neck closure. For example, the neck closurebody may be constructed of neoprene and the fastener may be a zipper.

In another embodiment the body of the neck closure has a lesserelongation than the fastener of the neck closure. For example, the neckclosure body may be constructed of thick neoprene and the fastener mayinclude an elastic loop and hook.

In a further embodiment a surface of the neck closure has at least onesealing rib feature for producing a localized seal against the exteriorof the wetsuit. For example, a bead having a semi-circular cross-sectionmay extend from back-to-front on the surface of the neck closure.

In yet another embodiment the exterior surface of the wet suit has atleast one sealing rib feature for producing a localized seal against asurface of the neck closure. For example, a bead having a semi-circularcross-section may extend from back-to-front on the exterior surface ofthe wetsuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a front view of a wetsuit with a non-sealing neck inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a back view of the wetsuit shown in FIG. 1A in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows a front view of a wetsuit and a hood closure as part of aneck closure system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2B shows a back view of the wetsuit of FIG. 2A in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A shows a front view of a neck closure with a low collar inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows a front view of a neck closure with a high collar inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C shows a front view of a hooded neck closure in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A shows a front view of a neck closure system fastened with afront zipper in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B shows a back view of a neck closure system fastened with twoback zippers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A shows a front view of a neck closure system fastened with afront zipper in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B shows a back view of the neck closure system of FIG. 5A, withrear button fasteners in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6A shows a detail view of a disengaged button closure in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B shows a detail view of an engaged button closure in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A shows a back view of a neck closure system fastened with buckleshaving adjustable webbing in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7B shows a detail view of a disengaged buckle closure in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7C shows a detail view of an engaged buckle closure in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A shows a front view of a neck closure system fastened with hooksand elastic loops in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8B shows a back view of a neck closure system fastened with hooksand elastic loops in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A shows a front view of a wetsuit 100 with a non-sealing neck 105in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wetsuit100 may be a wetsuit with coverage of the legs. Alternatively, thewetsuit 100 may be a jacket that may be used with a longjohn. Thenon-sealing neck 105 lacks a collar or other reinforcement, and thus issusceptible to water entry under turbulent conditions in an aquaticenvironment.

FIG. 1B shows a back view of the wetsuit 100 of FIG. 1A. An outer flap110 a overlaps an inner flap 110 b. The flaps provide an expandableopening for entry into the wetsuit 100. A back zipper may also be usedin place of the overlapping flaps 110 a and 110 b.

Although the non-sealing neck 105 lacks the reinforcement or tight fitnecessary for a good seal, the non-sealing neck 105 typically providebetter elasticity and a larger initial opening for entry than a sealingneck. This allows for the use of a shorter zipper 110.

FIG. 2A shows a front view of a wetsuit 200 and a matching hood closure215 as part of a neck closure system in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention. a number of sealing ribs 210 are disposed on theexterior surface of the wetsuit 200. Although a single continuous ribsurrounding the neck may be used, the placement of anchor points andreleasable fasteners on the front and back of a wetsuit usually providesufficient local sealing so that a sealing rib traversing the front orback is not essential, although it may be used for enhanced sealing.

For purposes of this disclosure, a releasable fastener is defined as afastener having at least two components that may be repeatedly engagedand disengaged from each other. A fastener is considered to be attachedto a wetsuit or neck closure if at least one component of the fasteneris attached, although the other component may or may not be engaged. Forexample, a button hole may be considered attached to a button flap thatis attached to a wetsuit, and a button may be considered attached to aneck closure.

FIG. 2B shows a back view of the wetsuit 200 of FIG. 2A in which thesealing ribs 210 can be seen extending across the top of the shouldersto the back of the wetsuit 200. although three ribs are shown on eachside of the wet suit body 200, as few as one rib per side, or more, maybe used. The sealing rib 210 provides a localized high point to which apositive contact may be established and maintained against the innersurface 216 of the hood closure 215.

A series of sealing ribs 220 are shown on the inner surface 216 of thehood closure 215. Sealing ribs may be used on either the hood closure215, the wetsuit 200, or both. When sealing ribs are present on both thewetsuit 200 and the inner surface 216, they may be oriented so that acontinuous contact along all or most of their length is established whenthe hood closure 215 is drawn to the wetsuit 200. The ribs may befabricated using resins to specifically enhance tack.

FIG. 3A shows a front view of a neck closure 300 with low collar 305 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The closure hasa front zipper fastener 320 and a back zipper fastener 325. Since thezipper fasteners 320 and 325 do not have inherent elasticity, it ispreferable that the closure body 300 be constructed of a material thatdoes have inherent elasticity (e.g., foamed or sheet elastomericmaterial).

The low collar 305 is preferably constructed with an elastic material sothat the collar 305 will expand when drawn over the head of as user, andsubsequently contract to provide a seal against the neck of the user.The neck closure 300 does not provide insulation for the head of theuser, and is best suited for use in warmer conditions. In the absence ofa requirement for insulation, the neck closure 300 may be fabricated ofhigher density (e.g., unfoamed) materials.

FIG. 3B shows a front view of a neck closure 330 with a high collar 335in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Neck closure330 is similar to neck closure 300 in that it has a front zipperfastener 350 and a back zipper fastener 355; however, the higher collar335 provides a better neck seal and more insulation than the low collar305.

FIG. 3C shows a front view of a hooded neck closure 360 in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. Neck closure 360 is similarto neck closure 300 in that it has a front zipper fastener 350 and aback zipper fastener 355; however, the hood 365 provides a better neckseal and more insulation than either collar 305 or collar 335. A hood ispreferably fabricated from a foamed elastomeric material.

One or more sealing ribs similar to rib 220 of FIG. 2A may be used onthe inner surface 315, 345, and 375, of closures 300, 330, and 360,respectively. Just as the body 310, 340, and 370, of closures 300, 330,and 360, respectively, may or may not be constructed of a foamedmaterial, the sealing ribs may or may not be constructed of a foamedmaterial.

FIG. 4A shows a front view of a neck closure system 400 fastened with afront zipper 420 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. Neck closure 410 is similar to neck closure 330 of FIG. 3B.The zipper 420 is attached to the wetsuit 405 by a zipper flap 425.

FIG. 4B shows a back view of a neck closure system 401 for a wetsuitfastened with two back zippers 430 in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention. Neck closure 411 is similar to neck closure 330of FIG. 3B. The zippers 425 are attached to the wetsuit 406 by zipperflaps 425. The use of two zippers 430 allows for an elastic region 435to be maintained on the back of the wetsuit 406 so that flexibility ofthe user is not compromised.

FIG. 5A shows a front view of a neck closure system 500 fastened with afront zipper 515 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 5B shows a back view of the neck closure system 500,with rear button fasteners 520. Button fasteners 520 are buttoned tobutton flap 525, which is attached to the a wetsuit 505. Button flap 525is preferably constructed of an elastic material in order to maintainflexibility for the user.

In general, releasable fasteners may be disposed at anchor points on thefront and back of the exterior surface of a wetsuit. The configurationof the neck closure, releasable fasteners, and anchor points is suchthat when the wetsuit is worn by a user with a close fit and thereleasable fasteners are engaged, a tensile force is developed in theneck closure between the anchor points on the front of the wetsuit andthe anchor points on the back.

FIG. 6A shows a detail view of a disengaged button closure 600 similarto that shown in FIG. 5B. A button 615 is attached to a closure body610. A buttonhole 625 is provided in button flap 620, which is attachedto a wetsuit 605. FIG. 6B shows a detail view of an engaged buttonclosure 601.

FIG. 7A shows a back view of a neck closure system 700 fastened withthree buckles 715 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 7B shows a detail view of a disengaged buckle closure701. Each buckle includes a buckle insert 725 and a buckle capture 730.The buckle insert 725 is attached to a closure body 710 and the bucklecapture 730 is attached to a strap 735. The strap is attached to abuckle flap 720 which is attached to a wetsuit 705.

FIG. 7C shows a detail view of an engaged buckle closure 702. The buckleinsert 725 is inserted in the buckle capture 730. The operation of thestrap 735 and buckle 715 is similar to the operation of an automobileseat belt in that the tension may be adjusted by sliding the strapthrough the buckle. The strap 735 may be a webbing similar to that usedin a seat belt. The strap 735 may also be an elastic band.

FIG. 8A shows a front view of a neck closure system 800 fastened withhooks 815 and elastic loops 820 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. The elastic loops 820 are attached to a closure body810 and the hooks 815 are attached to a wetsuit 805. FIG. 8B shows aback view of the neck closure system 800. Neck closure system 800 is anexample of a system wherein most of the elasticity may be provided bythe fasteners.

Common elastomers such as polyurethane, rubbers, and styrenic blockcopolymers (SBCs) can be formulated with an elongation of severalhundred percent. Elastic cord fabricated from these polymers may be usedin neck closure systems wherein the neck closure body lacks elasticity.

While the invention has been described in detail with reference topreferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes can be made, and equivalents employed, withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. For example, the type andnumber of releasable fasteners may be varied, with different types offasteners being combined in a single closure system. Examples ofequivalent releasable fasteners may include, and are not limited tovelcro, snaps and toggles.

1. A neck closure system for a wetsuit comprising: a fully detachableflexible neck closure; a plurality of anchor points disposed on anexterior surface of said wetsuit; a plurality of releasable fastenersfor coupling said fully detachable flexible neck closure to saidplurality of anchor points.
 2. The neck closure system of claim 1wherein said flexible neck closure comprises a collar.
 3. The neckclosure system of claim 1 wherein said flexible neck closure comprises ahood.
 4. The neck closure system of claim 1 wherein said plurality offasteners comprises at least one zipper.
 5. The neck closure system ofclaim 1 wherein said plurality of fasteners comprises at least onebutton.
 6. The neck closure system of claim 1 wherein said plurality offasteners comprises at least one hook and at least one elastic loop. 7.The neck closure system of claim 1 wherein said flexible neck closurecomprises a foamed elastomer material.
 8. The neck closure system ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one sealing rib disposed on an innersurface of said flexible neck closure.
 9. The neck closure system ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one sealing rib disposed on anexterior surface of said wetsuit.
 10. The neck closure system of claim 1further comprising: at least one first sealing rib disposed on an innersurface of said flexible neck closure; at least one second sealing ribdisposed on an exterior surface of said wetsuit; wherein contact isestablished between said first sealing rib and said second sealing ribwhen said flexible neck closure is drawn to said wetsuit through theengaging of said releasable fasteners.
 11. A wetsuit comprising: atleast one first releasable fastener for fastening a fully detachableflexible neck closure, wherein said first releasable fastener isattached to an anchor point on a front exterior surface of said wetsuit;and at least one second releasable fastener for fastening a fullydetachable flexible neck closure, wherein said first releasable fasteneris attached to an anchor point on a back exterior surface of saidwetsuit.
 12. The wetsuit of claim 11 wherein at least one of said firstand second releasable fasteners comprises a zipper.
 13. The wetsuit ofclaim 11 wherein at least one of said first and second releasablefasteners comprises a buttonhole.
 14. The wetsuit of claim 11 wherein atleast one of said first and second releasable fasteners comprises ahook.
 15. The wetsuit of claim 11 wherein at least one of said first andsecond releasable fasteners comprises a buckle.
 16. The wetsuit of claim11 further comprising a flexible neck closure, wherein said flexibleneck closure is attached to said first and second releasable fasteners.17. The wetsuit of claim 16 wherein said flexible neck closure comprisesa collar.
 18. The wetsuit of claim 16 wherein said flexible neck closurecomprises a hood.
 19. The wetsuit of claim 16 further comprising atleast one sealing rib disposed on an inner surface of said flexible neckclosure.
 20. The wetsuit of claim 16 further comprising at least onesealing rib disposed on an exterior surface of said wetsuit.